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Living in wales uk


Living In Wales: 12 Things You Should Know Before Moving

Living in Wales has something to offer everyone, whether you’re after a more balanced pace in beautiful surroundings, breathing room for your family or a city life without the hassle. This principality gives a generous helping of scenery and personality. 

Table of Contents

1. Is Wales a good place to live?

Yes. If you’re looking for more access to nature, stunning views, a warm sense of community and vibrant local culture, then Wales is for you. 

The Wye Valley in Monmouthshire, Wales.

From the stunning vistas and seaside villages of the Pembrokeshire coastal region to the spa towns and antiquing paradise of mid-Wales, all the way to the bright lights of Cardiff Bay and the refined coastal beauty of the Mumbles leading on to the Gower. 

Heading north, find Aberystwyth, with all the cosmopolitan benefits of a University Town and the tranquil Welsh countryside at your back. Cardigan Bay regularly features in lists of the world’s best beaches, with the chance to spot dolphins and plenty of heritage and picturesque caves along the coast.  

On Wales’ north-western edge, perches Anglesey, or Ynys Mon in Welsh. Once home to ancient druids and now home to the historic town of Beaumaris, the iconic south stack lighthouse and a thriving farmers market. 

Wales is very varied, but what all its areas have in common is a community feel and a down to earth focus on the essentials. Fresh air, good food, family time and a healthy dose of fun. 

Besides, you will get the same quality of life as in England, but at a lower cost. 

2. Is Wales expensive?

No, with a few exceptions, Wales is an inexpensive place to live and the value for money is excellent. By comparison with similar areas in England, the property is cheaper and the cost of living is low. 

Aberystwyth, Wales

The overall cost of living in Wales is estimated at 15% less than the rest of the UK. Local salaries do tend to be slightly lower than the UK average, but with property prices that are around 30% below the national average, that is more than offset.  

Average house prices in the most expensive areas like Cowbridge, within commuting distance of Cardiff and with a secondary school rated the best in the country, run over £450,000, but prices in other desirable locations like Pembrokeshire averaged around £230,000 in 2021.

Even if you’re looking to live and work in central Cardiff, leafy areas like Roath offer 3 bedroom options starting from around £270,000, and you could walk to work in 20 minutes. If you’re looking for more of a rural escape, then areas like Ceredigion offer great value and a wealth of pretty villages. 

At the lower end of the price bracket, in peaceful areas around the University town of Lampeter or quiet parts of Powys, a tasteful 2-bedroom cottage can start at around £160,000. 

3. Can I immigrate to Wales?

If you have the right to live in the United Kingdom then you can move to Wales, simply by picking up and driving across the border. If you are from further afield, apply in the usual way for a visa through the UK Home Office.  You can find more information on immigration issues in our Living In The UK guide.

4. Is living in Wales better than England?

If you are a dedicated city mouse, who thrives on a long commute and the anonymity of metropolitan life, then England might suit you better than Wales. It has larger cities and a bigger population. 

This three-arched bridge across the River Conwy forms an elegant entrance to the town of Llanrwst in North Wales.

If you hanker after a new hill to climb, a close-knit community and a bit more growing room, then Wales has more to offer. 

Wales has cheaper housing, easier access to areas of incredible natural beauty, a high standard of state education and a disproportionately lively cultural scene, even outside large metropolitan areas.

Transport links can be patchy in rural areas though, so check your target neighbourhoods out in advance.

Generally, the advantage of choosing Wales is that if you want to live by the sea, up a mountain, or in a pretty market square you can and your journey to your happy place will only be as long as it takes you to roll out of bed.  

England has many parks and areas of natural beauty, but with a larger population and less housing per capita, they can be more crowded and come with a premium.

LivingCost.org estimates the overall cost of living in Wales as approximately $400 (US) per year lower than in England. Enough to cover quite a few theatre and concert tickets, take the family white water rafting or patronise some of the local breweries and cider orchards. 

5. Where should I move in Wales?

Your ideal place in Wales will depend on your needs. 

If you are after career opportunities, your first port of call will be the M4 Corridor which includes Cardiff and Swansea boasting the highest concentration of public and private-sector employers.

Penarth Marina near Cardiff Bay. Penarth has been named as one of the best places to live in Wales by the Sunday Times.

With plenty of international cuisine and lively and varied nightlife, the cultural clout of the area far outstrips its size.  

For the best combination of natural surroundings, spacious housing and excellent schools, look to West Wales and areas like Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Surf, mountain bike and hike at the weekend and send the little ones off to a globally competitive education on Monday. 

Coming to Wales to retire? You will be spoilt for choice. Retiring to West Wales is the most popular option, however, there are plenty of other equally wonderful destinations.

If you’re in the market for a market town, tea shops and some light antique browsing then head for Llandovery, the haunt of the Prince of Wales, or Llandrindod and Builth Wells. Chocolate-box architecture, independent shops and easy reach of beautiful walking spots are yours to choose from. 

If you want a retirement where you get to incorporate a paddle in the sea into your daily routine, then Pembrokeshire coast, Cardigan Bay or Anglesey should be on top of your list.

Find more on the various Welsh locations in our Best Places To Live In Wales guide.

6. Does Wales have free healthcare?

Yes, for residents of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. For those moving from elsewhere, you will need to pay a surcharge for healthcare when you submit your immigration paperwork of between £470 and £624 per year for each person. 

7. Does Wales get snow?

Yes. In some places, it’s a light dusting and in others, you can rely on the chance to build a snowman every year. 

Around the coast and in southern areas, the amount of snow is minimal and the chances of the snow sticking are low. On the other hand, if you head North, especially inland, and into Powys and Conwy you stand a better chance of a white Christmas. 

8. Is it worth buying property in Wales?

Not only is Welsh property likely to give you a great return on your investment when it comes to lifestyle, but it’s also likely to be a good decision for your wallet. 

Summer morning in Tenby, Wales.

Prices in Wales have shot up over the last two years, but forecasts suggest that over the midterm, prices in Wales will continue to rise ahead of the national average.  

9. What is the poshest part of Wales?

It would be hard to settle on a single place in Wales to take the crown, so we’ll break this down into categories. 

If you want to focus on a whole county, then go for the Vale of Glamorgan with its rural feel and commuting distance to the capital. Cowbridge is a particularly popular area. 

If you want an upmarket coastal area, then go for the Pembrokeshire coast or head for Aberdyfi and the shores of Beaumaris up north.  

For a swanky city feel, in Cardiff look at areas like Lisvane, Cyncoed or head a little west to Swansea and the Mumbles. 

10. Do I need to learn the language?

The Welsh language doesn’t have a high profile outside Wales, except when it comes to making the place names hard to pronounce.

Llyn Gwynant, Snowdonia (Eryri).

Where you go will make a huge difference to how much you hear the language, but anywhere in Wales, you will see Welsh words and instructions on signs.  

Learning to speak Welsh is not compulsory for any adult moving to Wales and since everyone speaks English, you’re unlikely to encounter practical difficulties if you don’t want to learn.

As with many places though, a little effort is greatly appreciated.

Learning how to say ‘Diolch’ (Thank you) or ‘Bore Da’ (Good Morning) will put a big smile on most Welsh speakers’ faces. 

Occasionally, visitors worry that when locals continue a conversation in Welsh around them, they are being talked about. Luckily, that’s normally the furthest thing from the truth.

In many parts of Wales, when native speakers are together, it is simply their default. No different to hearing French in Paris. Most people will be more than happy to switch if you need, but don’t read anything into it. 

11. Are schools good in Wales?

Welsh schools meet a high standard, but there are a few differences.

You will notice that bilingual education is a feature of the landscape. Some schools offer education entirely through the medium of English and only teach Welsh as a second language.

Some offer an English and a Welsh stream, where you can choose, and others offer all subjects through the medium of Welsh (except English). 

There are virtually no areas where you would not be able to find an English medium or bilingual school if you prefer, so there is no reason for concern if you don’t want to put your children through a language change.

That said, Welsh-medium education is popular even among non-Welsh speaking families, and it offers children a chance of being fully bilingual. 

Ysgol Plasmawr, Cowbridge Comprehensive in Cardiff and Olchfa Secondary in Swansea routinely score near the top of national rankings.

You certainly don’t have to stay in a city to have access to exceptional schools though, with Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin in the town of Carmarthen, Ysgol Y Preseli in Crymych, Pembrokeshire, Ysgol Penglais in Aberystwyth and Ysgol Calon Cymru in Builth Wells producing outstanding results.  

12. Is it difficult to settle in?

As a nation, Welsh people are friendly and open. Particularly in smaller communities, you’ll find that you get to know not just your neighbours but the people running the local shop, pub, your postman and a whole cast of others.

Wales Coast Path offers 870 miles/1400 kilometres of unbroken, unspoilt, coastal walking around the entire Welsh coast. This is the part of the path near Fishguard.

Wales doesn’t suffer from the restraint that is associated with the English stiff upper lip, so you can expect to be entertained with a string of anecdotes and asked plenty of questions. 

In some areas, you might find the warm welcome takes a week or two to set in. This is more likely in areas where many properties are bought as second homes, your new neighbours will be polite but less interested in holidaymakers passing through than they would be in their new friends around the corner. 

The more you engage with local groups, activities and projects, the faster you will feel fully integrated.

Integration here is so common and successful that many children born elsewhere come to consider themselves as Welsh as a bouquet of daffodils. 

Finl thoughts on living in Wales

Living in Wales opens the door to a deeper connection with the landscape, a thriving cultural community, and the physical and financial room to enjoy more of the good things in life. Wales is affordable, accessible and a perfect place to start an adventure. 

An invisible border can make a world of difference when it comes to your way of life. You could get to London by lunchtime, but with castles, climbing spots, seaside coves and creative industries on your doorstep, you won’t want to. 

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Cost of living

Pros & Cons

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Introduction

Blessed with 600 beautiful castles, lots of sheep that outweigh the human population, mesmerizing beaches,  beautiful landscapes, and three national parks, Wales seems to be an auspicious country, and it truly is promising for any American moving to Wales from US. Imagine what relocating to the home of ‘rugby’ would be for you! The best guess is that in the first week of your arrival, you would immerse yourself in rugby, the sport that now seems to be a way of life, and have a nice tour around one of the many castles and ultimately, the Swallow Falls Waterfall. That would be fun!

Is Wales part of England?

Wales is a part of the United Kingdom but is not a part of England. Wales is a country of its own that forms a part of the UK.

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How to Move to Wales

To get yourself safely to this historic country blessed with castles and sheep, you will need some important paperwork and other essentials to make moving to Wales from US quicker. So, here is a list of the things you need to get yourself to Wales.

The first thing you need is a visa, although US citizens can stay in Wales for six months without a visa as long as their passport is valid. There are several visa types, ensure to choose the one that suits your needs.

Required documents

This usually includes a valid US passport that remains authentic six months after your supposed departure, passport photographs, and other paperwork.

Job offer

If you are moving to Wales for work purposes, endeavor to get a job offer before leaving.

Admittance to a UK or Welsh university

Students must gain admission to a Welsh or UK university before moving.

Clothes

Wales is a wet country, so ensure to get lots of waterproof jackets and boots.

An apartment

It is advisable to get an apartment before moving and then move your belongings in.

A UK phone number bank account

If you plan to work in wales, you will need a UK phone number and bank account.

Cost of Living in Wales

Living in Wales is bound to be different from the US in every aspect, especially in the area of living expenses. And of course, it is only sensible that you check out what the cost of living would be to understand fully what you are getting into. So, the cost of living in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, when compared to San Francisco, California in the US, is 38% cheaper. This shows that relocating to Wales wouldn’t be so expensive for you. But in retrospect, it all depends on how you spend, what you spend on, and the area you decide to reside in Wales. These are the things that truly influence your overall living expenses. Nonetheless, the table below explicitly shows the average monthly living expenses in Wales.

Average Living Expenses

Amount in USD

Amount in GBP

Single person

2,070.85

Family of four

4,002.91

Is Wales expensive to live in?

In comparison to the US or other parts of the UK, Wales is not expensive to live in. The cost of living in this country is relatively low.

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Pros and Cons of Living in Wales

We know you are pretty excited about moving to Wales from USA, and we know you’ve heard all about the wonders of this beautiful country located in the UK. But it is high time you knew that moving to Wales is not always exciting. There would be a time when the cons of moving to Wales would hit you and you would forget all about the pros or wonders of this country, but not worry, it would pass because the pros of living in Wales always outweigh the cons. However, here is a table that clearly shows the pros and cons of moving to Wales from US.

It is cheaper than in the US.

The names of streets and towns are overly long and difficult to pronounce.

It is a place for rain lovers.

It rains most of the time and poses some issues to inhabitants.

Lots of beautiful castles.

The castles occupy the major areas of Wales.

It has a captivating history.

Driving is rarely safe.

It has lots of beautiful beaches

The Welsh are highly patriotic (not entirely a bad thing, but we understand how it would seem to an American).

The Welsh are friendly.

Gas prices are expensive.

Outdoor life with lots of national parks.

There may be communication problems because Welsh is spoken by most people.

What is the Weather Like in Wales?

The weather in Wales is quite different from the United States. Wales has an oceanic climate that is humid and cool most of the year. But Wales’ climate tends to be unpredictable because you could be having the time of your life on a beach and within ten minutes, it might begin to rain. It could also be sunny, depending on the area, and that’s why you could be having a rainy morning, and all of a sudden, the sun would pop out in the afternoon. For the inland regions, there could be lots of heavy snowfall and extreme cold during the winters, while the coastal areas are relatively mild. With the hottest months being between June and August and the early winter months between October and January, Summer (between June and August) is usually the best time to move to Wales.  

Does it snow in Wales?

The inland areas get enough snow during the winter.

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Best Places to Live in Wales

So, you have pondered on the idea of relocating to Wales and you’ve decided to push through with it, but have you thought of where to reside in Wales? Of course, Wales has a lot of cities and towns and it could get slightly confusing―if not frustrating―to choose what city or town you would love to live in Wales. So, putting your safety (generally, Wales is a safe place), nationality, and every other necessary thing into consideration, these are the best places to live as an American moving to Wales.

● Narberth

You will be mesmerized by the cool outdoor lifestyle and the beautiful streets.

● Aberdyfi

This village is appropriate for you if you love fishing, sailing, and other rural activities.

● Cardiff

A suitable city with lots of marvels and an unbelievable low cost of living.

● Cardigan

Lots of fresh air and beautiful natural landscapes to see.

● Carmarthen

If you want to enjoy a combination of beautiful beaches and mountains, this town is right for you.

Jobs in Wales for Americans

One of the major things that you would want to inquire about when moving down to Wales is the nature of the job market. Wales, like every other part of the UK, has a competitive job market. And the whole system would seem new to you because you are in a different country with a different currency. However, to keep you informed, we have prepared a table with the high-demanded jobs in Wales and their average yearly salaries.

Job Title

Average Salary $

Customer Service Advisor

$26,067.59

Software Engineer

$76,257.50

Business Analyst

$58,230.06

Operations Manager

$58,923.27

Delivery Driver

$33,794.23

Pharmacy Manager

$58,179.56

Should I Move to Wales?

Wales is a beautiful country in the UK with lots of opportunities waiting to be tapped by you. So, move to Wales and tap from its fountain of opportunities. Good luck with your relocation!

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and the specifics of the local infrastructure. Life in the United Kingdom has its own characteristics, which at first glance may seem unusual to a visitor from Russia.

Population

According to the 2011 general census, the population of the United Kingdom is more than 63 million people , of which more than 53 million live in England. Another 5 million live in Scotland, 3 million in Wales and 1.8 million in Northern Ireland.

In large cities such as London, there are many visitors from other countries: from India, China, France, the countries of the former CIS. That is why on the streets, in shops and other public spaces you can hear a variety of accents, which are sometimes difficult to make out.

An excellent opportunity to more easily integrate into society for all foreigners moving to England - free or almost free English courses. Such courses are conducted by future teachers - students who need to develop their own practice.

In general, the composition of the population of Great Britain is characterized by a great diversity of ethnic groups and close proximity to the most diverse cultures.

The predominant nation is the English, who populate England, a large part of the territory of Wales and local parts of Scotland.

The language of the country is English. English belongs to the Germanic language group. In addition, Scots and Welsh are widely spoken throughout the country, although not as widely. Scots comes from the Scandinavian family of languages, while Welsh comes from the Celtic family. Despite the existence of both of these languages, most Scots and Welsh speak Classical English

Russians in England

Russians and immigrants from the CIS countries make up a large segment of the population of the United Kingdom. The first Russian-speaking communities began to appear in the country at 19century. Today, about 41 thousand people from Russia call London their place of residence. Hence London's well-established nicknames in popular culture - Moscow-on-the-Thames (Moscow on the Thames) and Londongrad (Londongrad). In addition, according to some estimates, about 10,000 more Russians live in England illegally - including refugees and people with expired visas. According to rough estimates, the total Russian population in the UK is about 60,000 people.

However, there is no Russian-speaking diaspora like the one in the US in the UK. There are several Russian-speaking schools and Orthodox churches in the country, as well as grocery stores with goods from Russia. Several large business and entertainment media are also published in England in Russian: Pulse UK, Afisha.London, Russian London, Kommersant UK, Russian in England and others.

Mark Hollingsworth and Stuart Lensl, authors of the book "Londongrad, or From Russia with Money" (2009), speaking about the number of immigrants from Russia living in the country, give a figure of 300,000 people. Of course, this is not true. Mentioning such numbers, they usually mean all residents of the countries of the former CIS who have chosen the United Kingdom as their home. Among them - 14 thousand Estonians, 90 thousand Latvians, 186 thousand Lithuanians, 32 thousand Ukrainians.

Cost of real estate and utilities

UK property prices are among the highest in the world. The average price per square meter in the country is 7500 - 8000 pounds sterling , and in London it reaches 12 000 pounds sterling . The cost of housing in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is much lower than in neighboring England: for example, in Scotland the average cost per square meter is from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds.

When real estate is sold, the seller is subject to capital gains tax. This tax is imposed on all real estate: it is paid on the difference between the purchase price and the subsequent sale price.

The cost of maintaining property is a significant part of the budget of the average British family. On average, Britons spend 26% of their net income (what's left after taxes) on housing maintenance. The average number of rooms per person is 1.9.

The price for renting a house is highly dependent on the region of the country, and in the case of London, on a specific area of ​​the city.

So, for example, the price per month for renting a one-bedroom apartment in the center of London can range from 165,000 to 235,000 in Russian rubles.

As a rule, apartments are rented for a period of 6 months, but more often the lease period is from 1 year.

In addition to the rent, the tenant is also charged with council tax (tax on garbage collection, maintenance of utilities, wages of firefighters, etc.), payment of a compulsory license for the use of television and payment of utility bills.

Utilities costs for a two-room apartment in London average $340 per month, in other cities - $200.

Infrastructure and public transport

Public transport in the UK is fairly well developed. Anywhere in London can be reached with the help of a convenient subway system - Tube. London is the first city in the world to have a subway. A ticket for one trip costs 1 pound, and for the whole day - 2 pounds. The gaps between stations are short, and it is very easy to navigate the system of transitions between lines thanks to convenient signs. There is a ban on performances of street musicians in the metro - a fine for violating it is 200 pounds. However, you can often meet performers of various genres in transitions.

In addition to the main station system, there is a separate private line, the Docklands Light Railway, with its own one-time passes.

In addition to the subway, there are always the famous double-decker red double-decker buses at the service of guests and residents of the city. Express buses and minibuses also ply the streets. Bus routes are divided into zones that roughly correspond to subway lines. Travel tickets can be single (their price depends on the distance) and weekly. In addition, there are universal travel cards (travelcard), which apply to all buses, trains and underground within London.

There are two types of taxis in the country: more expensive - the famous black cabs with a capacity of 5 people, and cheaper - ordinary cabs, which can take 4 people.

Driving in the United Kingdom is on the left. Tourists looking to rent a car should also be aware that parking is not allowed in central London.

The UK has an extensive network of highways, air routes, maritime and inland shipping routes, and railways.

The country's largest airport, Heathrow, has five terminals and handles 67 million passengers a year.

Shops in the country are open from 9:00 to 17:30, and the best time for shopping comes twice a year, when the Christmas and summer sales open.

Climate features

Life in the United Kingdom, its rhythm and features are largely determined by climatic conditions.

Great Britain is a country that, despite the developed industry, has managed to maintain excellent environmental conditions.

84% of the country's residents are satisfied with the quality of their water, above the average for countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The climate in the state as a whole is temperate, humid and mild, but in Scotland it is colder and drier. The climate of this marine type is characterized by warm winters and cool summers: the temperature in winter here usually does not fall below -10℃, and in summer it does not rise above +30℃.

More than half of the days of the year are overcast. In this case, floods and strong winds are possible. The average annual rainfall ranges from 553 mm in Cambridge to 3000 mm in the highlands of Scotland.

Standard of living

The British are one of the most contented nations in their existence. When people in the United Kingdom were asked to rate how happy they are overall (not just at the moment), on a scale of 10, the median response was 6.8 - also higher than the OECD average of 6.1.

The quality of life is directly related to its duration, and the UK ranks quite high on this indicator. The average life expectancy in the country is 81 years, which is higher than in OECD countries. This is due to the high level of health care, as well as special government programs - for example, a monetary incentive program for quitting smoking.

Another important factor determining the quality of life of the country's population is the level of personal security. In Foggy Albion, it is extremely high: for example, the OECD's homicide rate in the country is only 0.2, while for other countries of the Organization the average is 3.7.

The balance between work and personal affairs is another key component of happiness, taken into account, for example, when compiling the Better Life Index. In the United Kingdom, this figure is slightly lower (14.9hours of personal time per day when working a full shift) than the OECD average of 15 hours, but still quite high. The government is making serious efforts to improve this figure. For example, an affordable child care program is part of government policy to take the stress out of a parent's day. Thus, a positive step in this direction was the extension of the working day of children's centers of preschool education. In addition, the government subsidizes childcare - the subsidy was recently increased from 70% to 85% through additional budget revenues. Low-income or unemployed parents can receive this subsidy in the form of a one-time payment.

The UK has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, at just 1.1%. At the same time, the average annual income of working Britons is 43,732 US dollars. 75% of the population between the ages of 15 and 64 is employed in a paid job, with 80% for men and 70% for women. The average family income per person after all taxes is $28,715.

Citizens of the country actively participate in public life: according to statistics, 69% of those who have the right to vote actively use this right.

Education system

The UK has one of the best levels of education in the world. There are several major universities in the country (Oxford, Cambridge) and others that regularly take first place in the lists of the best educational institutions in the world and release Nobel Prize winners in various disciplines. Foreigners often choose the UK as their new home precisely because of the quality of education provided in the country.

On average, British people spend 17.5 years on education, which is higher than in most other countries of the world.

The educational system of the country includes pre-school education, secondary education, vocational education and higher education. Educational institutions are divided into public and private.

Pre-school education works with children from 2 to 5 years old. At the age of 5, the child reaches compulsory school age and goes to secondary school, where education lasts until the age of 16.

Among institutions of secondary education, a specific institute of private boarding schools stands out, in which children combine study with living. It is these boarding houses that annually produce the future elite of English society.

Higher education in the country is paid for both citizens and visitors. However, there is an opportunity to get an education on credit (including for foreigners). It will be necessary to give such a loan only after receiving a diploma and employment with a certain amount of average annual income.

If you are thinking about moving to the UK, please contact us for a free consultation on +44 7792 174059 (WhatsApp, Telegram) or email [email protected]. We will be glad to work with you!

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Pros and cons of living in the UK

Pros of living in the UK

High standard of living

political situation in society. The country offers many jobs for both young and established professionals. You can easily and comfortably build your life, study and do business.

Education and science

Quality education. Great Britain is famous for its universities and colleges with the highest quality of teaching, well-equipped laboratories and research centers. More than 11 higher education institutions from the top 100 are concentrated in this country. Getting an education in the UK is not only prestigious, but also profitable if you are aiming for a further move.

Favorable conditions for doing business

The UK is one of the top 10 countries in which to do business. The government actively supports start-ups and implements a number of government programs to help you build the company of your dreams. A huge amount of investment pours into the UK every year, and the state itself attracts investors and start-ups with one of the largest markets on the planet.

Developed infrastructure

Every major city has a well-developed infrastructure ranging from parks and squares, playgrounds to clean and tidy streets. Getting around the UK is easy with public transport. Buses, trams, trains and metros are affordable. In some major cities, people don't drive because they simply don't see the need for it. It is so easy and profitable to use public transport. Of course, in small towns and villages, transport is not always at the same level as in large centers, but in general the picture across the country is very positive.

Location

Great Britain's proximity to mainland Europe makes it a great travel destination. It is enough to take a plane and in a couple of hours you can visit any European town.

Culture

Great Britain is the capital of European and world culture in all areas (cinema, theater, music, painting, literature, etc. ). It is difficult to choose which of the greats to list here, but for sure all the names will be known to almost all of our readers and do not require separate introductions. Here and Shakespeare, Byron, Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Lewis Carroll, George Orwell, Joan Rowling, Jane Austen, Tolkien, Bronte, Bernard Shaw. Some of the most talented and famous actors were born and also live in the UK: Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, Kate Beckinsale, Hugh Grant, Sean Connery, Jude Law, Keira Knightley. Directors - Guy Ritchie, Alfred Hitchcock, Christopher Nolan and many many others. Well-known musicians are also here - Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Queen, Sex Pistols, Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine, Muse, Prodigy, Coldplay, Arctic Monkeys

Social support of the state

The UK is still a social state, whose policy is primarily aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life of residents, regardless of their abilities. This means tax breaks, rebates, and even sometimes full coverage for sickness, for families with children, when expensive medicines or surgeries or permanent care are needed, for job loss, and many many other social benefits and government assistance.

Like any other country, the UK not only attracts with bright prospects, but also repels with some aspects at the same time.

Cons of living in the UK

High cost of living

Speaking about the UK as a whole, in some regions of the country the cost of living is very affordable, especially in many villages and small towns. However, most people see London as their future home and it is one of the most expensive cities to live in. As fewer people can afford to live in London, they have moved to nearby cities. This only worsened the situation, since in the areas neighboring London, the cost of living, namely rental housing, began to rise sharply. It is worth noting that housing prices are high outside of London, especially for families with preschool children.

Weather

Everyone has heard about the changeable weather in the UK. It feels like rain and fog for half of the year. If you are used to the sun, then the UK can be a kind of test for you in terms of climate. Although, of course, in different regions of the country the weather is different. For example, Wales has more sunny days and less snow than Scotland, but the weather can still change quite quickly since you'll be living on an island. The weather can be attributed to both plus and minus, walking all the time in 1 set of clothes will be a plus for many, as well as not such a big temperature difference throughout the year. On the other hand, someone may want to go sledding and sunbathe on the beach. Fortunately, the British can afford both for money in other countries. Bad weather is much worse in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and correspondingly better in England and Wales.

Hate traffic jams

Mostly in England because the country itself is small with old narrow roads. A large number of people in large cities means a lot of cars. If you decide to drive a private car in England, then remember about traffic jams. Sometimes walking can be much faster.

Strong competition in the market

Despite the dynamic labor market and the large number of players who offer a large number of jobs, there remains strong competition between job seekers in some industries. Sometimes only a highly qualified specialist with a good education and work experience can get a really high salary and a favorable social package. It is worth noting that, in general, throughout the UK, a very low unemployment rate is also due to the availability of European labor. However, with the exit from the European Union (which is also generally a disadvantage for the UK), the situation on the labor market has changed, because now EU citizens also need a visa to work in the UK. This entailed a change in the immigration policy regarding work visas, and now it becomes easier for a foreigner to obtain a work visa and find a job in the UK.

Strict visa regulations

The UK is a popular immigration destination, so the UK government maintains strict visa regulations and keeps a close eye on who it lets in to control the flow of immigrants.

The UK left the European Union

This, among other things, alienated some businesses and people from the country. Which forced the government to lower immigration requirements for those who want to come to work. The question about the tolerance of society and English snobbery arises among those who know nothing about the UK. Despite the sad outcome of the vote, the vast majority of big cities and educated Britons voted in favor of retaining membership in the European Union. This is also due to the fact that these people have been studying and working for a long time in an absolutely international society. Foreigners and people from other countries can also easily become British. This is the advantage of the UK over others, especially European countries.

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